adventures in family, faith, and Down syndrome

Dear Doctor Bowles

You did not diagnose Tessa – that is another story for another person and another day. However, you have been my OB/GYN for many years now and I was lucky enough to have Tessa on your watch.

My labor with her was quite quick, and as I recall, you were supposed to be off the clock about an hour before she was born, but you stuck around to see it through.

Much earlier in the pregnancy, when we discussed prenatal testing and I declined, you did not push. And then later, when we had our 20 week ultrasound, as you read the results, I very distinctly remember the slightest furrow in your brow and asking again if we had prenatal testing. At the time, it did not phase me, but when Tessa was born and she was diagnosed, I wonder if you might have had an inkling back on that day.

While the NICU team checked her out, you helped me finish laboring and chatted with me while we processed what was happening. “Ya know, kiddo,” you said, “who is to say she’s not going to be just as happy as anyone else?” And you went on to tell me a story about a family member who worked himself to the bone and then died within a week of retiring.

“She won’t do that, you know… she won’t work herself to the bone. She’ll be happy. You’ll be happy.” you told me. We are happy.

I learned recently that you have retired. I’m a little sad, because if there are any more babies, I will have to see some other doctor… but I’m also so happy for you, because you’re able to be out, enjoying life, happy as a clam with your family. I hope you are soaking in every moment. Congratulations!

Maggie

This is part of the 31 for 21 Blog Challenge – blogging every day for the the 31 days of Down Syndrome Awareness month. To find out more about the challenge, and to see other blogs participating, click here.

This year’s theme has been inspired by the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network’s #deardoctor campaign. To see more #deardoctor letters, visit their Facebook page here.